Construction element for glass framing system

ABSTRACT

There is provided an improved glass framing system including spaced vertical mullions having exceptionally narrow face width. The narrow face effect is achieved by providing opposed shallow glazing pockets; however, contiguous with one of the shallow pockets is a deep glazing area so that the glass or other panel may be first inserted into the deep glazing area of one mullion, and then shifted from the deep glazing area to the normal shallow glazing area contiguous therewith to provide retention of the panel in confronting shallow glazing pockets.

United States Patent 11 1 [111 3,881,294

Biebuyck May 6, 1975 [54] CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT FOR GLASS 3,147,5189/1964 Horgan .1 52/731 X FRAMING SYSTEM 3,403,491 10/1968 3,404,50110/1968 [75] Inventor: Lawrence F. Biebuyck, Niles, Mich. 3,5 ,5 13/1971 u Assigneez Kawneer p y, Inc. Niles, 3,579,943 5/1971 Tam 52/475X M' h. 1c Primary ExaminerPrice C. Faw, Jr. 1 Flledi 1974 Attorney,Agent, or FirmMason, Kolehmainen, 211 Appl. No.: 451,526 Rathbum & WYSSRelated U.S. Application Data [57] ABSTRACT [63] gss z gfg ig fi i king5222 g g zj There is provided an improved glass framing system 59 915 311970 abandoned including spaced vertical mullions having exceptionallynarrow face width. The narrow face effect is 52 U.S. Cl 52/720- 52/738achieved by Previdihg eppesed Shallow glazing P 51 Int.C1. E04c 3/32;E040 2/38 ets; however, eemigueus with one Of the Shallow [58] Field ofSearch 52/720, 730, 731, 127, Peehets is a deep glazing area 80 that theglass er 52/475 656 397 122 738 other panel may be first inserted intothe deep glazing area of one mullion, and then shifted from the deep[56] References Cited glazing area to the normal shallow glazing areacontiguous therewith to provide retention of the panel in UNITED STATESPATENTS confronting shallow glazing pockets. 2,595,506 5/1952 Backman52/127 3,023,859 3/1962 Muessel 52/720 x 16 ClalmS, 19 Drawmg Fig s PJENTEUHAY SETS 3 881,294

SHEET UBUF 1O ATTOEA/E Y5.

CONSTRUCTION ELEMENT FOR GLASS FRAMING SYSTEM The present application isa continuation application of application Ser. No. 277,638, filed on 3August 1972 and now abandoned. Application Ser. No. 277,638 was acontinuation application of application Ser. No. 59,915, filed on 31July 1970 and now abandoned. The present invention relates to animproved glass framing system, and more particularly to a glass framingsystem the members of which have a very narrow face width.

I-Ieretofore difficulty has been experienced in obtaining glass framing,such as spaced apart mullions, having a minimum face width, particularlywith the adjacent glass or other panels being held in the same plane.Typically a glass framing wall system with the panels inserted aftererection of the framing, or upon reglazing, requires a mullion structurehaving a deep glazing pocket and a shallow glazing pocket in adjacentmullions confronting each other. In is understood that the term shallowglazing pocket as herein used, refers to a glazing pocket normallyaccepting the edge of a glazing panel substantially for the full depthof the pocket, while a deep glazing pocket wherein the edge of thepocket refers to a glazing panel is spaced outward from the bottom ofthe pocket so that the edge of a glazed panel will normally extend onlypartially toward the bottom of a deep glazing channel. Conventionallythe edge of the glass or other panel may first be inserted into the deepglazing pocket, the opposite edge then being inserted into theconfronting shallow glazing pocket, and thereafter the glass or otherpanel being shifted toward the shallow glazing channel to position theglass or other panel. Typically the glass stops are then assembled toretain the glass in position. It will be understood that in the typicalsystem just described, each mullion has opposed deep and shallow glazingpockets. Thus the face or width of the mullion is necessarily dependenton the combined depth of a deep and shallow glazing channel. Moreover insuch an arrangement there is always a danger present that the glass willcreep back toward the bottom of the deep glazing channel in the absenceof blocking and the like.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a newand improved glass framing system which overcomes the above mentioneddifficulties.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a newand improved glass framing system having a provision of new and improvedglass framing system having frame members of very narrow face width.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a new andimproved mullion construction having a very narrow face width.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a newand improved glazing system.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of aframing system having coplanar adjacent panels supported by a narrowface framing system.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of a newand improved mullion and mullion filler assembly wherein the mullionfiller readily rolls into assembled position.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent as the following description proceeds and the features ofnovelty which characterize the invention will be pointed out withparticularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of thisspecification.

In accordance with these and other objects there is provided an improvedglass framing system having a narrow face mullion structure. Each of themullions is formed with opposed shallow glazing areas, and a deepglazing area is contiguous with one of the shallow glazing areas.Accordingly glazing may be installed by insertion of an edge thereofinto the deep glazing area, positioning of the opposite edge of theglass panel into the adjacent confronting shallow glazing area, andthereafter shifting of the first edge of the glass panel from the deepglazing area to the contiguous shallow glazing area of the mullion.Mullion fillers may then be applied to prevent the glass from shiftingback into the deep glazing area and to cover the deep glazing area.

Suitable hardware and joinery are provided for completing the wallsystem, and include a novel snaptogether threshold assembly, the roll-inmullion filler system, and nylon setting blocks for relieving thehorizontals of any load from the weight of glass.

Advantageously once the glass has been installed it is impossible forthe glass to shift into the deep pocket and thereby expose the raw edgeof glass at the oppo site side. Moreover there is provided a systemhaving a very desirable architectural appearance with minimum face widthof the frame members. In addition to the narrow profile, the framemembers are capable of accepting glass in the conventional flush glazedmanner, Without the application of projected stops, and withoutoffsetting of the planes of adjacent glass panels. The mullion system iscompatible with other mullion systems and may be used in connectionthereto.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may behad to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a glass framing assembly, including anentrance, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational sectional view of the glass framing assembly ofFIG. 1, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail cross sectional view of the glass framing assembly ofFIG. 1, taken along line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational cross sectional view of the glass framingassembly of FIG. 1, taken along line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional detailed view of the glass framing assemblyof FIG. 1, taken along line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plane sectional view of the glass framing assembly of FIG.1, taken along line 66 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of the glass framing assembly of FIG.1, illustrating the glazing technique;

FIG. 8 is a sectional detailed view of the glass framing assembly ofFIG. 1, taken along line 88 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a sectional detailed view of the glass framing assembly ofFIG. 1, taken along line 99 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a sectional detailed view of the glass framing assembly ofFIG. 1, taken along line 10-40 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary perspective exploded view of the glass framingassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a detail of glass framingassembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a glass framing assembly, including anentrance, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional fragmentary elevational view of the glass framingassembly of FIG. 13, taken along line 14l4 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view of the glass framingassembly of FIG. 13, taken along line l515 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional detailed view of the glass framingassembly of FIG. 13, taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a plan sectional view of the glass framing assembly of FIG.13, taken along line 1717 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional plan view of the glass framing assembly ofFIG. 13, taken along line 1818 of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective exploded view of the glass framingassembly of FIG. 13.

Referring now to the drawings, and particulaly to the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 through 12, there is illustrated a glass framing assemblygenerally referred to as 20, FIG. 1, in accordance with the presentinvention. As therein illustrated the glass framing assembly 20 includesspaced vertical mullions 21 and 22, a cripple mullion 23, intermediatehorizontals 24 and 25, a transom member 26. Intermediate the twovertical mullions, such as mullions 21 and 22, are header members 27 and28. The mullions 22 and 23 and transom member 26 define an entranceopening 30 for a door (not shown). Along the bottom of the glass framingassembly 20 are sill members 31 and 32 extending between the verticalmullions, except in the area of the entrance opening 30 wherein there isprovided a threshold assembly 33. The interconnecting mullions and framemember define glazing openings for supporting suitable glazing panels,such as glazing panels 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39, of glass or other suitablematerial.

The basic vertical members or mullions, such as the mullions 21, 22 and23, are best illustrated in cross section in FIG. 6. Referring to thevertical mullion 21 as typical, the vertical mullions 21 includes aunitary extruded construction element, of aluminum or other suitableextrudable material, 41 having inner and outer face portions 42 and 43defining spaced apart parts and interconnecting portions. Each of theinner and outer face portions, in the illustrated embodiment, are ofgenerally tubular cross section of particularly narrow width. In aparticular commercial embodiment, the width of the face portions 42 and43 is one inch. The face portions 42 and 43 are connected by suitableweb portions formed in a generally reverse curve configuration includinga longitudinally extending transverse web portion 41a having one edgethereof integrally secured to the face portion 42 intermediate its widthand forming the bottom of opposed shallow glazing pockets or panel edgereceivng voids 45 and 46. A longitudinally extending web 41b extendsnormal to the transverse web 41a therefrom to the side surface of theface portion 43, and a further transversely extending web 410interconnects the web 41b with the face portion 43. The webs 41b and41c, with the face portion 43, together form a deep glazing pocket ofarea 47 defining another panel edge receiving void contiguous with theshallow glazing pocket 46 and having a depth substantially greater thanthe shallow glazing pocket 46.

To retain glazing in place in the contiguous glazing pockets 46 and 47,there is provided a suitable mullion 4 filler 50, as best illustrated inFIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment the mullion filler is of theroll-in type, and to this end there is provided a longitudinallyextending groove 41d within the contiguous pockets 46 and 47 forreceiving a toe portion 50a of the glass stop 50, which together definea hinge; Moreover the inner surface of the face portion 43 is providedwith a longitudinally extending recess extending inwardly from the outeror jamb surface thereof and having a surface 43a approximating an arcextending from the center of the groove 41d, with a radius r. Themullion filler 50 includes an outer external surface 50b complementaryto the recess 43a, so that the toe portion 50a of the mullion filler 50may be inserted in the groove 41d, and the mullion filler 50 may then berolled into mating position with the surface of the recess 43a. Thesurface 50b is formed with a curvature approximating an arc having aradius r equal to the radius r providing the rolling fit.

To provide for a latitude of installation options, the constructionelements 41 are formed with a plurality of screw aplines 52, and, in theouter edges of the shallow pockets 45 and 46, the construction elements41 have integrally formed splines 53 shaped as combination screw splinesfor receiving a threaded fastener, and as gasket retaining grooves forretaining glazing gaskets. Confronting the spline 53 in the shallowglazing pocket 46 on the mullion filler 50 is provided a gasketretaining channel 54, FIGS. 6 and 7.

The manner of glazing for the wall system 20 is illustrated in FIg. 7.As therein illustrated the glass panel 35 has a first edge 35apositioned within the deep glazing pocket 47 of the vertical mullion 21.The other end 35b thereof will then clear face portions of the adjacentmullion 22, so that the panel 35 may be directed into the shallowglazing channel 45 of the mullion 22. Thereafter the panel 35 may beshifted laterally from the position illustrated in phantom to theposition illustrated in solid in FIg. 7. The mullion filler 50 may thenbe rolled into position, the retaining gaskets installed, and glazing isnow complete.

In a commercial installation the shallow glazing pockets 46 and 47 arenominally seven-sixteenths inches deep, while the auxiliary or deepglazing pocket 47 contiguous with the glazing pocket 46 is nominallyseven-eighths of an inch deep. Thus with the glazing installed the glasscoverage in the glazing pockets is normally a standard three-eighthsinch. Moreover once the glazing has been installed, it is impossible forthe glass to shift back to the deep pocket preventing exposure of anyraw edges of the glass on opposite sides. The mullions 21, 22, and 23are nominally one inch wide, and the single web 41a interconnecting thefaces 42 and 43 attributes to the narrow or shallow depth of themullion.

To provide for intermediate horizontals, a horizontal mullion having aface width of one inch is provided for matching the width of thevertical mullion. The oneinch face horizontal is best illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 1 1. As therein illustrated there is provided theintermediate horizontal 24 having tubular face portions 24a, 24binterconnected by an intermediate transverse web 24c and definingopposed shallow glazing pockets 56 and 57. Thus it will be seen thatthere are no removable glass stops in the intermediate horizontals.Suitable screw splines 24d are extruded within the internal tubu-' larface portions 24a and 24b to provide for attachment of the intermediatehorizontals to the two verticals. Such attachment may, if desired, beaccomplished with a stud connection, wherein stud fasteners projectingfrom the end of the horizontal 24 would be inserted in suitable holes inthe through verticals. However in the illustrated embodiment, shearblocks 58 are provided for attaching the intermediate horizontals to thethrough verticals. More specifically the shear blocks 58 are fastenedinto the side surfaces of the face portions 32 and 43 of the desiredvertical mullion by suitable screws 59. Moreover the tubular faces 24aand 24b of the horizontals are cut away at the bottom, as indicated at24e, FIG. 11, so that the horizontal may be positioned over the shearblocks 58 after they have been fastened to the vertical mullions. Screwfasteners 60 secure the intermediate horizontals to the shear blocks 58.

The mullions and intermediate horizontals provide adequate strengthtransverse to a wall, however because of the comparatively narrow widthof the sections it may not be desired to carry the glass loads in thehorizontals. Accordingly to prevent transmitting the glass load to theintermediate horizontals, in the illustrated embodiment suitable nylonstuds 62 may be pro vided threaded through the web 24c of the theintermediate horizontal 24 and transmitting the upper glass load fromthe glass panel 35 directly into the lower glass panel 36, as bestillustrated in FIG. 2. However, it has been found that the glass loadwill be transferred to the intermediate horizontals through conventionalsetting blocks at one-sixth or one-fourth points, so that significantbending loads do not occur in the intermediate horizontals. Accordinglythe nylon studs 62 may be omitted if desired.

The header member 27 and sill members 31 and 32 are all identical andperform the same function. More specifically each includes a gutterelement 64, FIGS. 2 and 4, which may be fastened directly into thebuilding wall by suitable fasteners, here shown as screws 65. The screws65 are directed through a somewhat intermediate section having aT-shaped lower groove 64a, and to prevent collapse of the gutter section64 in this area a suitable fastening block or chair 67 is inserted inthe T shaped groove 64a under the fasteners 65. The gutter sections 64are provided with portions interlocking with suitable glass stops 68.

In view of the removable glass stops 68 on the header member 27 and sillmembers 32 and 33, it is not necessary for the intermediate horizontalto have removable stops. Suitable setting blocks 69 are used spacedbelow the bottom of the lower panel 36. Moreover the T- shaped grooves64a provide clearance for fastening straps and the like for the mullionsand threshold.

The transom member 26 is similar to the other intermediate horizontalsin that it includes opposed face portions 26a, 26b, FIG. 4,interconnected by transverse web portion 26c, and defining opposedshallow glass pockets 71 and 72. A suitable filler or door stop 73, inthe illustrated embodiment, covers the lower pockets 72. Preferably thetransom member 26 is fastened directly to the web of the two verticals,and to this end the transom member 26 is provided with a plurality ofscrew splines 26d to provide for the direct attachment by suitablescrews 74.

The cripple mullion 23 may be secured directly to the transom member 26by suitable screws 75, as best illus trated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

Suitable mullion anchors are provided for the top and bottom of thethrough mullions. Specifically, and referring first to intermediatevertical mullions such as mullion 22, the mullion anchor 80, FIGS. 8 and12, is provided of generally cross shape having a body portion a formedwith a plurality of screw holes 80b to selectively receive suitablescrew fasteners 82 extending into aligned screw splines in the mullion.A pair of opposed legs 80c, 80d, are provided with suitable openings,here shown in the form of slots 80e for receiving suitable screwfasteners 82 securing the assembled anchor and mullion to the buildingwall or floor.

However for attaching the end mullion, such as mullion 21, to thebuilding, one of the legs of the mullion anchor is cut off so that theeis provided suitable mullion anchors 85 of generally T-shape having abody portion 85a formed with suitable screw holes 85b for receivingscrews threaded into the corresponding screw splines of the verticalmullion. A single outstanding leg 850 is provided with an opening suchas slot 852 for receiving suitable fasteners into the wall or floor ofthe building. It would be understood that the legs 80c, 80d of themullion anchor 80 and the legs 850 of the mullion anchor 85 will fitwithin the groove 64a of the gutter sections 64, providing for tying ofthe gutter sections to the anchors.

As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the threshold assembly 33 includes afastening block or strip 88, extending under the jamb mullions 22 and 23and secured thereto by screws threaded through the strip 88 into thescrew splines of the respective mullions. The threshold strip 88 issecured to the floor of the building in any suitable manner as by screws89. The threshold strip includes outwardly extending projections 88abeing chamfered at their upper edge to define cam surfaces 88b. Athreshold member 90 is provided having a central recess 90a and a pairof somewhat resilient fingers 90b having detent portions 900 arranged tocam over the cam surfaces 88b and snapped into locking position over theprojections 88a. The threshold member 90 may be formed of any suitable,somewhat resilient material, and in the illustrated embodiment is formedof a plastic material. Advantageously a plastic threshold providesdesirable wear properties, and permits for matching color of thethreshold to be incorporated into the body of the threshold member 90.Accordingly any coloring of the threshold member 90 will not wear offwith usage of the member. Moreover the strip 88 prevents collapse of thethreshold member 90.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGS. 13 through 19, there isillustrated a variation of the present wall system wherein widehorizontals have been provided in order to emphasize the very narrowline of the mullions. More specifically the embodiment of FIGS. 13through 19 depicts a 4 inch high horizontal used with the previouslydescribed mullions to form an improved wall system. Accordingly similarcomponents of the present embodiment and the embodiment of FIGS. 1through 12 are identified by the same reference numerals.

Referring now to the embodiments of FIGS. 13 through 19, there isillustrated another embodiment of a wall system according to the presentinvention. The wall system 95 is formed of spaced vertical throughmullions 21 and 22, and the cripple mullion 23. The vertical mullionsare interconnected by intermediate horizontals 96, except in an areabetween the mullions 22 and 23 which forms the entrance opening 30. Inaddition there is provided a transom member 98 over the opening andabove the cripple mullion 23. Header members 99 and 100 extend betweenthe two vetical mullions at the top, and sill members 101 and 102 extendbetween the horizontals at the sill except in the area of the entranceopening 30. The threshold assembly 33 heretofore described,interconnects the lower end of the jamb mullions 22 and 23. Glazingpanels 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109 are assembled in the openings formedby the interconnected members.

The construction of the intermediate horizontals are best illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 16 wherein the horizontal 96 is taken as typical. Astherein illustrated the intermediate horizontal 96 includes an extrudedmullion section 111 and a removable face section 112. The mullionsection 111 includes a tubular center portion includiing an inner face111a, an outer face 111b, and spaced transverse webs 111e, 1110.,connecting with the inner face 111a intermediate its length. Outwardlyextending projections 111e, 11 lffrom the tubular portion of the mullionsection 111 include interconnecting parts on their ends for interlockingwith inwardly projecting portions 112a, 1 12b of the removable facesection 1 12. The mullion section 1 1 1 includes inwardly extending jambportions 111g, 111k, and the face section 112 includes aligned inwardlyextending jamb portions 1120, 112d, which cooperate to provide upper andlower glazing pockets 113, 114. The jamb surfaces 111g, lllh, 112e, 112aeach contain grooves at their inner ends for retaining conventionalgaskets.

The intermediate horizontals are joined to the verticals in theillustrated embodiment by suitable shear blocks 116 which are fastenedto the webs of the vertical mullions in any suitable manner as by theillustrated bolt and nut assemblies 117. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and19, the lower transverse web 111d of the mullion section 111 is copedout, as illustrated as 118 to provide for assembly of the mullionsection 111 over a shear block 116. After assembly of the intermediatehorizontal on the shear block 116, the horizontal may be secured inplace by suitable fasteners such as screws 119. The screws 119 willsubsequently be covered by the face section 112 of the intermediatehorizontal protecting the connection from tampering and the like.

If horizontals join on both sides of a vertical mullion, then a pair ofshear blocks 116 are used and fastened to the web portion 41a of avertical mullion, such as mullion 22, FIG. 18, by suitable bolt and nutassemblies 121 extending through both of the shear blocks 116 and theweb 41a.

The header members and sill members for the present system are similar,and are formed of three extrusions, FIGS. 14 and 15, including a saddleor extruded flashing 125, a removable face 126, and a gutter member 127.These members are all square cut and are ar ranged to be assembled inthe same manne as the horizontals previously discussed. The saddle 125is installed over the projecting legs of the anchor members, and isfurther provided with a T-slot 125a to accept the same fastening blocks67 heretofore described. The saddles 125 are secured to the top andfloor of the building opening by suitable fasteners such as screws 128.A projecting leg 125b on the saddle provides an interlock as well asnominal adjustment for the gutter member.

Any extreme variations in the contours of the surface however will stillhave to be corrected by conventional shimming.

Although similar to the gutter section 111 of the intermediatehorizontals heretofore described, the gutter member 127 used as headerand sill sections is an open shape having an inner face 127a,'a spacedouter web 127b, and an interconnecting transverse web 127C. Outwardlyextending projections 127e, l27f provide interlocking means forinterlocking with inwardly projecting portions 126a, 126b of theremovable face 126. The open end of the face 1270 is provided with afemale interlock 127g fitting over the interlock l25b and not onlyprovides for adjustability, but also aids in improving the wind loadcharacteristics of the members. The gutter member 127 is designed as anopen shape so that it will not be necessary to cope the ends in order toattach the gutter member to the shear blocks. Thus the gutter member 127is fastened directly to its associated shear block 116 by the screws 119in the manner heretofore described. Both the gutter member 127 and theremovable face 126 contain parts 1271:, 126e, defining a glazingpocket130 for retaining the edge of suitable glazing.

Setting blocks 132 may be used under the glazing as required.

Although various embodiments of the invention have been described, itwill be appparent that numerous other modifications and embodiments maybe devices by those skilled in the art and it is intended by theappended claims to cover all modifications and embodiments which willfall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:

1. A construction element comprising inner and outer face portions andinterconnecting portions, said interconnecting portions including alongitudinally extending transverse web having one edge integrallysecured to one of said face portions intermediate its width and formingthe bottom of opposed shallow glazing pockets, a longitudinallyextending normal web normal to the first mentioned web in one directiontherefrom, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamb web extendingfrom the edge of said second mentioned web to the other of said faceportions defining with said normal web and said other of said faceportions a deep glazing pocket contiguous with and laterally displacedfrom one of said shallow glazing pockets.

2. A construction element comprising inner and outer face portions andinterconnecting portions, said interconnecting portions including alongitudinally extending transverse web having one edge integrallysecured to one of said face portions intermediate its width and formingthe bottom of opposed shallow glazing pockets, a longitudinallyextending additional web extending from the other edge of the firstmentioned web in one direction therefrom, and a longitudinally extendingtransverse jamb web extending from the edge of said additional web tothe other of said face portions, said longitudinally extending web andsaid longitudinally extending transverse jamb web defining a deepglazing pocket contiguous with one of said shallow glazing pockets.

3. A construction element having inner and outer face portions andinterconnecting portions, said interconnecting portions and said faceportion defining a pair of opposed shallow glazing pockets for retainingthe edges of adjacent panels and further defining a deep glazing pocketcontiguous with and laterally disposed of one of said shallow glazingpockets; said interconnecting portion including a longitudinallyextending transverse web having one edge integrally secured to one ofsaid face portions intermediate its width and forming the bottom of saidopposed shallow glazing pockets, a longitudinally extending additionalweb extending from the first mentioned web in one direction therefromand forming with a portion of said one of said face portions the sidefaces of one of said shallow glazing pockets, and a longitudinallyextending transverse jamb web extending from the edge of said additionalweb to the other of said face portions defining with said additional weband said other of said face portions a deep glazing pocket contiguouswith and laterally displaced from one of said shallow glazing pockets.

4. A construction element having inner and outer face portions andinterconnecting portions, said interconnecting portions and said faceportions defining a pair of glazing pockets for retaining the edges ofadjacent panels, one of said glazing pockets being a stepped pocket,said interconnecting portions including a web member forming a bottomsurface of one portion of said stepped pocket and further including aweb member forming a bottom surface of a second portion of said steppedpocket, said web portions being laterally disposed.

5. A construction element having inner and outer face portions andinterconnecting portions including a longitudinally extending transverseweb having one edge integrally secured to one of said face portionsintermediate its width, a longitudinally extending additional webextending from the first mentioned web in one direction therefrom, and alongitudinally extending transverse jamb web extending from the edge ofsaid second mentioned web to the other of said face portions, a portionof said one of said face portions and said other of said face portionsforming with said webs a stepped pocket having said transverse webforming the bottom of one step defining a shallow pocket por tion andhaving said jamb web forming the bottom of the other step defining adeep pocket portion, the remaining portion of said one of said faceportions forming a glazing pocket with said transverse web and saidadditional web opposed to said shallow glazing pocket portion.

6. An elongated metal construction element comprising spaced apart faceportions including facing substantially parallel spaced-apart parts, andan interconnecting part having a first portion extending toward theother of said parallel parts to define opposed panel edge receivingvoids on either side of said interconnecting part which face in oppositedirections, said interconnecting part having a second portion displacedfrom said first portion in a direction transversly of said facing spacedapart parts and having a longitudinal edge joining the other of saidparallel parts at a point therealong sufficient to define a third paneledge receiving void which faces in the same direction as one of saidfirst mentioned voids and has a depth substantially greater than thedepth of the other of said first mentioned voids.

7. An elongated metal construction element as defined in claim 6 whereinsaid interconnecting part and said other of said parallel parts areprovided with recesses therealong for receiving and anchoring at leastportions of the edges of a mullion filler.

8. An elongated metal construction element as defined in claim 6 whereinsaid interconnecting part is of a substantially reverse curveconfiguration.

9. An elongated metal construction element as defined in claim 6 whereinsaid interconnecting part is of substantially reverse curveconfiguration and is provided with a recess therealong for receiving andanchoring at least a portion of one edge of a mullion filler.

10. An elongated metal construction element comprising inner and outerface portions including facing substantially parallel spaced-apartparts, and an interconnecting portion extending between said spacedapartparts, one edge of said interconnecting portion joining one of saidspaced-apart parts at a point intermediate the edges of said onespaced-apart part, thereby to provide opposed panel receiving voids oneither side of said interconnecting part which face in oppositedirections, the other edge of said interconnecting part joining theother of said spaced-apart parts at a point which is displaced from thejunction point between said one edge of said interconnecting part andsaid one spaced-apart part, thereby to provide a third panel edgereceiving void which opens into one of said opposed panel edge receivingvoid which opens into one of said opposed panel edge receiving voids andhas a depth substantially greater than the depth of said one panel edgereceiving void.

11. An elongated construction element as defined in claim 10 whereinsaid interconnecting part and said other of said parallel parts areprovided with recesses therealong for receiving and anchoring at leastportions of spaced-apart edges of a mullion filler.

12. A vertical mullion comprising an elongated, unitary constructionelement having an outer, generally rectangular, cross-sectionalconfiguration in a plane transverse to its longitudinal axis, saidrectangular cross-sectional configuration being defined by a firstoutermost pair of substantially parallel, unitary, face portions of saidmullion that define the width of said mullion and one outer sidedimension of said rectangular cross-sectional configuration and thatextend between and form uninterrupted, jointless facial surfaces betweenthe planes of a second pair of subtantially parallel side portions ofsaid mullion that define the other outer side dimension of saidrectangular cross-sectional configuration, said first pair of portionsbeing disposed substantially perpendicularly to said second pair ofportions,

said unitary construction element further including first, second andthird means for receiving a planar panel, said first and second meanscomprising a first, stepped glazing pocket opening in a first directionfrom said unitary construction element, said third receiving meanscomprising a second glazing pocket opening in a second direction,generally opposite from said first direction, from said unitaryconstruction element,

said first receiving means comprising a comparatively deep portion ofsaid first stepped glazing pocket and means for initially receiving afirst longitudinal edge of a panel being mounted in said first steppedglazing pocket and said second receiving means comprising acomparatively shallow portion of said first stepped glazing pocket andmeans for receiving said first edge of said panel from said firstreceiving means and for retaining said panel in said mullion,

said first receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of saidthird receiving means.

13. A vertical mullion as defined in claim 12 wherein the width of saidmullion is substantially 1 inch.

14. A vertical mullion as defined in claim 12 further comprising meansfor securely mounting a horizontal mullion to said vertical mullion.

15. A device for framing a planar member comprising an elongatedconstruction element, said construction element including a pair ofparallel, spaced-apart, outermost face portions defining the width ofsaid device in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of saidconstruction element and parallel to the plane of said planar member,said face portions comprising unitary, jointless facial surfacessubstantially across the entire width of said device, said constructionelement further including an inner portion extending between and joiningsaid pair of outermost face portions, said inner portion comprisingfirst, second and third means for receiving said planar member, saidfirst and second means comprising a first, stepped glazing pocketopening in a first direction from said construction element, said thirdreceiving means comprising a second glazing pocket opening in a seconddirection, generally opposite from said first direction, from saidconstruction element,

said first receiving means comprising a comparatively deep portion ofsaid first stepped glazing pocket and means for initially receiving afirst longitudinal edge of said planar member and said second receivingmeans comprising a comparatively shallow portion of said first steppedglazing pocket and means for receiving said first edge of said planarmember from said first receiving means for retaining said planar memberin said device,

said first receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of saidthird receiving means.

16. A device as defined in claim 15 wherein the width of said device issubstantially 1 inch.

1. A construction element comprising inner and outer face portions andinterconnecting portions, said interconnecting portions including alongitudinally extending transverse web having one edge integrallysecured to one of said face portions intermediate its width and formingtHe bottom of opposed shallow glazing pockets, a longitudinallyextending normal web normal to the first mentioned web in one directiontherefrom, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamb web extendingfrom the edge of said second mentioned web to the other of said faceportions defining with said normal web and said other of said faceportions a deep glazing pocket contiguous with and laterally displacedfrom one of said shallow glazing pockets.
 2. A construction elementcomprising inner and outer face portions and interconnecting portions,said interconnecting portions including a longitudinally extendingtransverse web having one edge integrally secured to one of said faceportions intermediate its width and forming the bottom of opposedshallow glazing pockets, a longitudinally extending additional webextending from the other edge of the first mentioned web in onedirection therefrom, and a longitudinally extending transverse jamb webextending from the edge of said additional web to the other of said faceportions, said longitudinally extending web and said longitudinallyextending transverse jamb web defining a deep glazing pocket contiguouswith one of said shallow glazing pockets.
 3. A construction elementhaving inner and outer face portions and interconnecting portions, saidinterconnecting portions and said face portion defining a pair ofopposed shallow glazing pockets for retaining the edges of adjacentpanels and further defining a deep glazing pocket contiguous with andlaterally disposed of one of said shallow glazing pockets; saidinterconnecting portion including a longitudinally extending transverseweb having one edge integrally secured to one of said face portionsintermediate its width and forming the bottom of said opposed shallowglazing pockets, a longitudinally extending additional web extendingfrom the first mentioned web in one direction therefrom and forming witha portion of said one of said face portions the side faces of one ofsaid shallow glazing pockets, and a longitudinally extending transversejamb web extending from the edge of said additional web to the other ofsaid face portions defining with said additional web and said other ofsaid face portions a deep glazing pocket contiguous with and laterallydisplaced from one of said shallow glazing pockets.
 4. A constructionelement having inner and outer face portions and interconnectingportions, said interconnecting portions and said face portions defininga pair of glazing pockets for retaining the edges of adjacent panels,one of said glazing pockets being a stepped pocket, said interconnectingportions including a web member forming a bottom surface of one portionof said stepped pocket and further including a web member forming abottom surface of a second portion of said stepped pocket, said webportions being laterally disposed.
 5. A construction element havinginner and outer face portions and interconnecting portions including alongitudinally extending transverse web having one edge integrallysecured to one of said face portions intermediate its width, alongitudinally extending additional web extending from the firstmentioned web in one direction therefrom, and a longitudinally extendingtransverse jamb web extending from the edge of said second mentioned webto the other of said face portions, a portion of said one of said faceportions and said other of said face portions forming with said webs astepped pocket having said transverse web forming the bottom of one stepdefining a shallow pocket portion and having said jamb web forming thebottom of the other step defining a deep pocket portion, the remainingportion of said one of said face portions forming a glazing pocket withsaid transverse web and said additional web opposed to said shallowglazing pocket portion.
 6. An elongated metal construction elementcomprising spaced apart face portions including facing substantiallyparallel spaced-apart parts, and an interconnecting part having a firstportIon extending toward the other of said parallel parts to defineopposed panel edge receiving voids on either side of saidinterconnecting part which face in opposite directions, saidinterconnecting part having a second portion displaced from said firstportion in a direction transversly of said facing spaced apart parts andhaving a longitudinal edge joining the other of said parallel parts at apoint therealong sufficient to define a third panel edge receiving voidwhich faces in the same direction as one of said first mentioned voidsand has a depth substantially greater than the depth of the other ofsaid first mentioned voids.
 7. An elongated metal construction elementas defined in claim 6 wherein said interconnecting part and said otherof said parallel parts are provided with recesses therealong forreceiving and anchoring at least portions of the edges of a mullionfiller.
 8. An elongated metal construction element as defined in claim 6wherein said interconnecting part is of a substantially reverse curveconfiguration.
 9. An elongated metal construction element as defined inclaim 6 wherein said interconnecting part is of substantially reversecurve configuration and is provided with a recess therealong forreceiving and anchoring at least a portion of one edge of a mullionfiller.
 10. An elongated metal construction element comprising inner andouter face portions including facing substantially parallel spaced-apartparts, and an interconnecting portion extending between saidspaced-apart parts, one edge of said interconnecting portion joining oneof said spaced-apart parts at a point intermediate the edges of said onespaced-apart part, thereby to provide opposed panel receiving voids oneither side of said interconnecting part which face in oppositedirections, the other edge of said interconnecting part joining theother of said spaced-apart parts at a point which is displaced from thejunction point between said one edge of said interconnecting part andsaid one spaced-apart part, thereby to provide a third panel edgereceiving void which opens into one of said opposed panel edge receivingvoid which opens into one of said opposed panel edge receiving voids andhas a depth substantially greater than the depth of said one panel edgereceiving void.
 11. An elongated construction element as defined inclaim 10 wherein said interconnecting part and said other of saidparallel parts are provided with recesses therealong for receiving andanchoring at least portions of spaced-apart edges of a mullion filler.12. A vertical mullion comprising an elongated, unitary constructionelement having an outer, generally rectangular, cross-sectionalconfiguration in a plane transverse to its longitudinal axis, saidrectangular cross-sectional configuration being defined by a firstoutermost pair of substantially parallel, unitary, face portions of saidmullion that define the width of said mullion and one outer sidedimension of said rectangular cross-sectional configuration and thatextend between and form uninterrupted, jointless facial surfaces betweenthe planes of a second pair of subtantially parallel side portions ofsaid mullion that define the other outer side dimension of saidrectangular cross-sectional configuration, said first pair of portionsbeing disposed substantially perpendicularly to said second pair ofportions, said unitary construction element further including first,second and third means for receiving a planar panel, said first andsecond means comprising a first, stepped glazing pocket opening in afirst direction from said unitary construction element, said thirdreceiving means comprising a second glazing pocket opening in a seconddirection, generally opposite from said first direction, from saidunitary construction element, said first receiving means comprising acomparatively deep portion of said first stepped glazing pocket andmeans for initially receiving a first longitudinal edge of a panel beingmounTed in said first stepped glazing pocket and said second receivingmeans comprising a comparatively shallow portion of said first steppedglazing pocket and means for receiving said first edge of said panelfrom said first receiving means and for retaining said panel in saidmullion, said first receiving means having a greater depth than thedepth of said third receiving means.
 13. A vertical mullion as definedin claim 12 wherein the width of said mullion is substantially 1 inch.14. A vertical mullion as defined in claim 12 further comprising meansfor securely mounting a horizontal mullion to said vertical mullion. 15.A device for framing a planar member comprising an elongatedconstruction element, said construction element including a pair ofparallel, spaced-apart, outermost face portions defining the width ofsaid device in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of saidconstruction element and parallel to the plane of said planar member,said face portions comprising unitary, jointless facial surfacessubstantially across the entire width of said device, said constructionelement further including an inner portion extending between and joiningsaid pair of outermost face portions, said inner portion comprisingfirst, second and third means for receiving said planar member, saidfirst and second means comprising a first, stepped glazing pocketopening in a first direction from said construction element, said thirdreceiving means comprising a second glazing pocket opening in a seconddirection, generally opposite from said first direction, from saidconstruction element, said first receiving means comprising acomparatively deep portion of said first stepped glazing pocket andmeans for initially receiving a first longitudinal edge of said planarmember and said second receiving means comprising a comparativelyshallow portion of said first stepped glazing pocket and means forreceiving said first edge of said planar member from said firstreceiving means for retaining said planar member in said device, saidfirst receiving means having a greater depth than the depth of saidthird receiving means.
 16. A device as defined in claim 15 wherein thewidth of said device is substantially 1 inch.